Yukon Chatter Bug

As a kid, I remember our teachers getting all sorts of gifts from students: chocolates, coffee cups, and cookies. These are the standards, and students in the Yukon are no different. Teachers get enough chocolate and cookies to feed the whole school. What’s different in the Yukon, however, are the unique gifts that can only be a standard north of 60.

Why am I writing about this? This month marks the end of my studies (a long four years), and to finish it off, I spent the last four months in a grade 4/5 class here in Whitehorse. So, this is the first time I’m in a classroom at Christmas being the one facing away from the blackboard.

Students and their families show much gratitude at this time of year. I received tasty gifts of cookies, chocolates, and candy. I also got a beautiful locally carved wooden oil lamp. Earrings, classroom supplies, coffee, and the list goes on. Wow, I couldn’t believe the generosity of these kids. I must say, though, that even though I didn’t expect all these beautiful gifts, I expected even less a gift of moose meat. Yes, you read it right: MOOSE MEAT!!! MMMmmmmmMMM. What a treat to be teaching in the north.